We all know Maine is famous for Lobsters and clam chowder but being allergic to shellfish; I enjoyed its beautiful beach, Acadia National Park, and amazing fall colors and yes, how can I forget about sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
I have been to Maine two times, first we visited Portland and second time we camped in Acadia National Park. I am going to share both the experiences in this blog.
Acadia National Park
47,000 acres of big national park which is by the way the only national park in the Northeast America comprising of 9 states which makes it a must-visit for east coast people. This park let you experience mountains, beaches, forest, wildlife, amazing landscapes and more: all at same location.
We did camping here for 3 days. We traveled from Boston, MA and it was about 4 hour and 30 minutes’ drive. We visited this park in September and fall had just started.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and Autumn
Entry Fee: $30 per vehicle
We camped in Blackwoods Campground. We paid $30 per night and I booked it 4 months in advance. I like its location, it was just 5 miles away from Bar Harbor which is a very happening place with lots of cafes, restaurants, gift shops.
For camping information in Acadia please click here.
During our stay we visited following sites.
Cadillac Mountain
This was the highlight of our stay. This site is famous for the sunrise because this is the place in the USA where sun-rays first touches ground. To plan this, be sure to check sunrise timing and go 1 to 2 hours before so that you can grab a good spot because usually it gets very crowded.
Its very windy up there so carry some layers with you. Even in summer there will be cold winds.
For us, we did not carry enough layers and it was freaking cold. We were there around 4:30 AM for 6:30 AM sunrise. And we were regretting for not carrying gloves, and extra warm cloths. But regardless of cold when sun started showing in the sky it was the most serene moment I have ever experienced. This was the first experience for me to see sunrise (I am a late riser :P) I have always enjoyed sunsets at different places, but I fell in love with sunrise.
Bubble Rock
It is a large boulder that was carried by glaciers and deposited at the seemingly precarious edge of a cliff. It is a 1-mile hike (round trip) from the parking lot. There is another hike which we did was South bubble loop. This site gives amazing views of Jordan pond. You can see it in picture gallery.
We spent around 1 and a half hour over here.
Bar Harbor
It is a small town which is filled with lots of restaurants, cafes, gift shops. This place also has visitor center where you can get park maps and other information.
Thunder Hole, Otter point and Sand Beach
All three attractions are close by. Thunder hole is a natural rock inlet where waves crash with a thunderous boom & high-flying foam and its incredible to experience. I have video of this amazing phenomenon. See below. We did cliff walk on Otter cliff and it was fun. Took some pictures and spent nice time on the sand beach.
Jordan Pond
It is a very beautiful pond and since we visited it in autumn we got to see entire pond surrounded by spectacular fall colors.
Jordan Pond House near Jordan Pond serves excellent breakfast. It has beautiful views of Jordan Pond. Hot popovers served with butter and strawberry jam is a popular dish.
Asticou Azalea Garden
It was a great surprise for me as I didn’t plan this in my itinerary. We were heading back home and saw it on the way. It was so beautiful that we stopped here and had a great time. There is no entrance fee, but they accept entrance donation and expected donation is $5 per person. Please visit their website for more details.
Portland
It is a very small city with working fishing wharves, restaurants, shops, museums. Very happening place. It also has Victorian era homes which are beautiful. We did 1-day trip here from Boston. It was 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive.
First destination was Portland Head Lighthouse. It is a historic lighthouse opened in 1791 and its still operating. The rock formation around the lighthouse is so amazing. And when waves crash the rocks; is the most wonderful thing you will see.
We visited this place in summer and there were beautiful wildflowers all over. Lighthouse has a museum and a gift shop.
The fort grounds provide numerous walking paths, a cliff walk offering spectacular views.
Here you will find highly rated lobster place called “Bite into Maine” lobster roll. My husband loved it.
After spending ample of time enjoying this beautiful scenery, we spent some time in the Old Port. There are so many restaurant options and gift shops. I didn’t eat here because of my shellfish allergy as most of the restaurants have fish menu. But I enjoyed the view and shopping.
I hope you have fun and enjoy lobsters in Maine!!